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Category: Russian Federation

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at St. Petersburg airport

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Denis Manturov met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Pulkovo Airport, who arrived on an official visit to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and participate in the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    Let us recall that First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, as the chairman of the Russian part of the Russian-Indonesian Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation, visited Jakarta in April of this year to hold the 13th meeting of the commission.

    The high dynamics of bilateral contacts contribute to the successful development of cooperation between Russia and Indonesia in a wide range of areas, including trade, industry, agriculture, energy, transport, tourism, as well as humanitarian spheres, in particular education, culture and sports.

    By the end of 2024, the volume of trade turnover between Russia and Indonesia amounted to 4.3 billion dollars.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexey Overchuk took part in a joint meeting of the State Duma committees

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Alexey Overchuk took part in a joint meeting of the State Duma committees (photo by the State Duma press service).

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk spoke at a joint meeting of the State Duma committees on CIS affairs, Eurasian integration and relations with compatriots, culture, education, family protection, fatherhood, motherhood and childhood, civil society development, public and religious associations and control.

    The meeting was held as part of preparations for a government hour dedicated to the development of cooperation between Russia and the CIS countries in the humanitarian sphere and the strengthening of common spiritual and moral values.

    The Deputy Prime Minister informed parliamentarians about the comprehensive work being carried out to preserve the common cultural space of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the implementation of measures in the areas of education and science, culture and tourism, and also answered questions from deputies.

    In his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Russia intends to deepen partnership with the CIS countries, combining economic cooperation with the preservation of a common cultural and civilizational space. The Government’s priorities in this area remain work with youth, the development of education and the popularization of traditional values and the preservation of the Russian language as a common language and means of international communication of the countries of Northern Eurasia.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak at a meeting with the OPEC Secretary General: Russia highly appreciates the effectiveness of cooperation within OPEC

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Novak met with OPEC Secretary General Haitham al-Gais at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    “Russia highly values the effectiveness of interaction within OPEC. Thanks to regular and trusting working contacts, including with the OPEC Secretariat, it is possible to compare positions in advance, develop coordinated approaches, and make decisions at our ministerial meetings that take into account the interests of each OPEC member,” said Alexander Novak, opening the meeting.

    In turn, the OPEC Secretary General highly appreciated the energy dialogue with Russia. He emphasized the importance of the partnership between the Russian Federation and OPEC at all levels and highly appreciated the leadership role that Russia plays within the framework of the Declaration of Cooperation as a co-chair of the OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meetings.

    The parties discussed the situation on the global oil market, including in connection with the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, interaction between Russia and OPEC both in a bilateral format and within the framework of the OPEC deal.

    Alexander Novak invited Haitham al-Gais to take part in the annual international forum “Russian Energy Week”, which will be held from October 15 to 17 in Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Djibouti Implements the Enhanced General Data Dissemination System (e-GDDS)

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 18, 2025

    Washington, DC: With the successful launch of the new data portal—the National Summary Data Page (NSDP)—Djibouti has implemented a key recommendation of the IMF’s Enhanced General Data Dissemination System (e-GDDS) to publish essential macroeconomic and financial data. The e-GDDS is the first tier of the IMF Data Standards Initiatives that promote transparency as a global public good and encourages countries to voluntarily publish timely data that is essential for monitoring and analyzing economic performance.

    The launch of the NSDP is a testament to the Djibouti’s commitment to data transparency. It serves as a one-stop portal for disseminating various macroeconomic data compiled by multiple statistical agencies. The published data include statistics on national accounts, prices, government operations, debt, the monetary and financial sector, and the external sector.

    The launch of the NSDP was supported by an IMF technical assistance mission, financed by the Government of Japan through the Japan Administered Account for Selected Fund Activities, and conducted in collaboration with the African Development Bank from June 9 to 12, 2025. The mission was hosted by the Central Bank of Djibouti in close collaboration with the Ministry of Budget, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, as well as the National Statistics Institute of Djibouti.

    With this reform, Djibouti will join 75 countries worldwide and 35 countries in Africa using the e-GDDS to disseminate standardized data.  

    Mr. Bert Kroese, Chief Statistician and Data Officer, and Director of the IMF’s Statistics Department, commended the authorities for this major milestone in the Djibouti’s statistical development. He also emphasized that Djibouti would benefit from using the e-GDDS participation as a tool to further improve data transparency. The IMF stands ready to “continue supporting the authorities in further developing their statistical systems.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pemba Sherpa

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/18/pr-25205-djibouti-djibouti-implements-the-e-gdds

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Cadmium – a health bomb: what will Europe do about it? – E-002316/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002316/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marie Toussaint (Verts/ALE)

    On 2 June, the French National Conference of Regional Unions of Health Professionals and General Practitioners alerted the authorities to the exposure of the French population to cadmium. France, along with Poland, Spain and Portugal, is among the European countries most affected by this toxic substance. Children are particularly susceptible to it and the incidence of related pancreatic cancers is exploding.

    Cadmium, contained in phosphate rock used for fertiliser production, is found in cereals, potatoes and leaf vegetables.

    While the EU plans to gradually reduce exposure standards, France has just adopted much higher thresholds than those which should apply by 2034, which risks prolonging the contamination for several decades due to the persistence of cadmium in the environment.

    In this context, several questions arise:

    • 1.How is the Commission supporting Member States in their strategies to reduce exposure to cadmium?
    • 2.Can the Commission set out an accelerated strategy for disengaging from phosphate fertilisers, particularly imported fertilisers, and not just those from Russia, since the majority of fertilisers used in France come from Morocco?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali – RC-B10-0291/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    pursuant to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10‑0291/2025 (Renew)
    B10‑0294/2025 (S&D), (Verts/ALE)
    B10‑0297/2025 (PPE)
    B10‑0298/2025 (ECR)

    Sebastião Bugalho, Christophe Gomart, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Tomas Tobé, Miriam Lexmann, Andrey Kovatchev, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Dariusz Joński, Loránt Vincze, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Antonio López‑Istúriz White, Davor Ivo Stier, Luděk Niedermayer, Liudas Mažylis, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Laura Ballarín Cereza
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Aurelijus Veryga, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Diego Solier, Nora Junco García, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Alexandr Vondra, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Assita Kanko, Marlena Maląg, Waldemar Tomaszewski
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Nathalie Loiseau, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan‑Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Yvan Verougstraete, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Catarina Vieira
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    European Parliament resolution on the dissolution of political parties and the crackdown on the opposition in Mali

    (2025/2754(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the military has ruled Mali since the 2020 coup that installed General Assimi Goïta as transitional president, and the repeatedly promised elections have not taken place;

    B. whereas on 13 May 2025, the military authorities dissolved political parties and organisations and repealed laws protecting political participation, sparking domestic protests and international concern over the consolidation of authoritarian rule and repression and criminalisation of the opposition and protesters;

    C. whereas recent abductions and arrests of opposition members have added to the enforced disappearances dating back to at least 2021, and the military junta has intensified its repression of the political opposition and civil liberties;

    D. whereas on 11 June 2025, the Malian Council of Ministers adopted a bill authorising a five-year renewable mandate for the transitional president without election;

    E. whereas the EU continues to support civil society and provide humanitarian aid in Mali;

    F. whereas al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamist terrorist groups have been killing civilians, including Christians and people from other religious minorities;

    G. whereas the EU and several Member States have deployed troops who have lost their lives fighting jihadism at the request of the former Malian authorities;

    H. whereas Mali is negatively affected by Russian disinformation;

    1. Expresses deep concern about the alarming political and security situation in Mali; strongly condemns the dissolution of political parties and organisations and the crackdown on the opposition;

    2. Criticises the Malian authorities’ intensified actions undermining democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and association, and peaceful assembly;

    3. Urges the Malian authorities to respect international human rights law and Mali’s signed commitments on political and civil rights;

    4. Recalls the transitional president’s instruction to his cabinet in November 2024 to create conditions for transparent and peaceful elections as soon as possible;

    5. Urges the authorities to immediately release those arrested or abducted for political reasons, permanently end repression and intimidation, guarantee the safety of opposition members, activists and civil society actors, and ensure peace and stability in Mali;

    6. Notes with regret that Mali is still plagued by violence and Islamist terrorism; recalls that Russian-sponsored mercenaries have failed to bring stability; calls for ensuring accountability for rights violations and abuses, including war crimes committed by the Wagner Group/Africa Corps against the Malian people;

    7. Encourages closer cooperation between the EU, the EUSR for the Sahel, ECOWAS and the African Union in promoting stability and human rights in Mali;

    8. Underlines the EU’s clear support for restoring multi-party democracy, providing assistance to civil society and democratic actors and ensuring that human rights are the main priority for EU support under the renewed approach to the Sahel region;

    9. Calls on the VP/HR and the Member States to raise with the Malian authorities the urgent need to restore democratic order and protect human rights;

    10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, Mali’s transitional president, the Malian National Assembly, the African Union and ECOWAS.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: DPO will help overcome the shortage of personnel

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Photo: Dmitry Orlov / Fornd Roscongress

    One of the key topics of the business program of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is taking place from June 18 to 21, was the development of education and personnel training. At the session “Personnel shortage and strategies for overcoming it”, held within the framework of the forum of small and medium entrepreneurship, Senior Director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Andrey Lavrov spoke about the role of additional professional education in solving the personnel problem.

    Opening the discussion, session moderator Sergei Nuzhdin, member of the presidium of the board of the All-Russian public organization of small and medium-sized businesses “OPORA RUSSIA”, called the shortage of personnel one of the most pressing problems of the country and the economy as a whole.

    Andrey Lavrov noted that this problem needs to be solved here and now, so it would be wrong to talk about long-term strategies, including changes in approaches to university education, in this context. “A university is not a supplier of personnel to the labor market, but an environment that creates people who are able to respond to changes at different periods of their lives and careers,” he noted.

    According to the senior director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, additional professional education helps to respond correctly to these changes. At HSE, the portfolio of additional professional education programs is formed taking into account the demands of consumers, which can be divided into two halves. The first half are employers who contact the university with a request to train their employees, the second are people who want to independently develop their qualifications.

    “We focus primarily on such people. If we take the broadest possible view, their age is from 25 to 45 years old, that is, they are not yesterday’s students,” Andrey Lavrov clarified. It is clear that, for example, AI technologies, for which they have demand today, were impossible to master earlier, within the framework of higher education, because such technologies did not exist at all.

    “We slightly underestimate the system of additional education. I am deeply convinced that a person’s educational trajectory, starting in early childhood, should in no case end with receiving a diploma of higher education. In order for each person to be competitive, so that the problem of personnel shortage does not arise, it is necessary to form a culture of continuous education of people,” says Andrei Lavrov.

    “The challenge and responsibility of universities is to create continuing education programs that, on the one hand, people need, and on the other hand, make them more competitive,” concluded the senior director of the HSE.

    Other approaches to solving the personnel problem were also considered at the session.

    Vladislav Grib, Deputy Secretary of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, proposed creating Russian colleges and universities in friendly countries and giving their graduates priority when finding employment in our country.

    Sergei Morozov, State Duma deputy and federal coordinator of the “Choose Your Own” project, spoke about the national project “Personnel”, comparing the conditions for its implementation with the era of the first five-year plans.

    Alexander Vaino, Director of the Young Professionals Department at the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, focused on developing the interest of young people in working at strategically important enterprises, primarily industrial ones, in their regions.

    Elena Didenko, Vice-Rector for Continuing Professional Education at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, proposed reconfiguring employment services to make them more client-centric.

    Natalia Vershinina-Adelman, Director, Private Employment Agency Regional Labor Exchange LLC, spoke about infrastructure solutions for attracting qualified personnel from BRICS countries.

    At the end of the session, the participants were presented with the project “Why are you needed at home”, within the framework of which the professional socialization of young people is carried out.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission to Zimbabwe

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 18, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussions and decision.

    Harare, Zimbabwe: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team led by Mr. Wojciech Maliszewski visited Harare from June 4 to June 18, 2025, to conduct the 2025 Article IV Consultation.

    At the conclusion of the IMF mission, Mr. Maliszewski issued the following statement:

    “Zimbabwe is experiencing a degree of macroeconomic stability despite lingering policy challenges. Following successive bouts of hyperinflation over the past few years, more disciplined policies—including halting and transferring to the Treasury the quasi-fiscal operations (QFOs) of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and tighter monetary policy despite fiscal pressures—have helped stabilize the local currency (the ‘ZiG’) and reduce inflation. Growth this year is recovering following a sharp slowdown in 2024, which was affected by a drought that lowered agricultural output by 15 percent. Electricity production also fell, and declining prices for platinum and lithium weighed on the mining output. During the first half of 2025, better climate conditions and historically high gold prices have boosted agricultural and mining activity, strengthening the current account and contributing to the recovery, with growth projected at 6 percent in 2025.

    “Buoyed by the growth recovery and policy measures—a reduction in VAT tax reliefs, increased fees and levies, taxation of the COVID public servant allowance, and steps to reduce smuggling—revenue ratio increased sharply to 18 percent of GDP. That said, fiscal pressures intensified in 2024 and in the first months of 2025 as higher revenues proved insufficient to meet growing spending needs. These came notably from higher public sector wages, capital outlays related to a SADC summit, debt servicing costs on past QFOs by the RBZ taken over by the Treasury, and servicing liabilities related to the acquisition of assets for the Mutapa Investment Fund. The fiscal deficit was financed by T-bills issuance and direct borrowing from the RBZ’s overdraft facility to service debt, contributing to the expansion of domestic liquidity and an overnight drop in the value of the ZiG in September 2024, and a significant buildup of expenditure arrears that continued into 2025.

    “Following the overnight drop in the value of the ZiG, inflation spiked in October 2024 then declined significantly as both the willing-buyer willing-seller (WBWS) and parallel market rates have since stabilized, helping to bring month-on-month inflation down to an average of 0.5 percent over the period February to May 2025. At the same time, the gap between the WBWS and parallel market rates has narrowed significantly, but remains at around 20 percent. In this context, the mission welcomed the repeal of Statutory Instrument 81A of 2024—which had mandated the formal sector to use the WBWS rate in the pricing of goods and services, contributing to an increase in dollarization and informality.

    “To support the authorities’ stabilization efforts, key Article IV recommendations include: in the near term, fiscal policy actions to center on closing the financing gap without recourse to monetary financing and further domestic arrears buildup, while safeguarding social spending, and delivering a durable fiscal adjustment in the longer term; monetary and FX policy to focus on supporting a transition to stable national currency, with an effective monetary policy framework and market-determined exchange rate policy; and, to boost growth, structural and economic governance reforms. In this context, policy priorities include:

    • Fiscal. Closing a substantial fiscal financing gap for 2025 in a way consistent with available sustainable and non-inflationary financing. This would require rationalizing spending and increasing the effectiveness of the authorities’ strategy to run a cash budget through better planning and stronger political commitment to control spending. This would also require strengthening the public spending commitment control system to avoid further arrears accumulation; and a close monitoring of domestic arrears (including through an audit of remaining arrears). The 2026 Budget will be critical to establish a policy track record, and measures will be needed to close the fiscal gap in 2026. Over the medium term, fiscal adjustment should be accompanied by fiscal-structural policies to strengthen public financial management (PFM), expenditure controls, and budget credibility.
    • Monetary and FX. The mission recommends improving the functioning of the WBWS market through a more transparent price-setting mechanism and by gradually replacing surrender requirements with a requirement to convert export proceeds directly into the market through Authorized Dealers, while focusing the RBZ’s FX interventions to managing excessive volatility in the exchange rate. Monetary policy can be enhanced by the introduction of an effective deposit facility at the RBZ, followed by fully introducing indirect market instruments and phasing out direct instruments. In the longer-term, a comprehensive package of macroeconomic, financial, and structural policies should be pursued to allow for a gradual relaxation of other Capital Flow Management Measures (CFMs) and elimination of undesirable exchange restrictions noted by the Article VIII mission.
    • Mutapa Investment Fund and State-owned enterprises (SOEs). To mitigate fiscal risks, the mission recommends strengthening the governance framework for the Mutapa Investment Fund—including strengthening its reporting, audit, disclosure, and oversight requirements in line with international best practices—and the overall public sector transparency and reporting.

    “The authorities have also announced their plan to transition to a mono-currency system by 2030. The mission emphasized the need to continue strengthening the monetary and FX market framework in line with IMF staff recommendations. This should be complemented by measures to enhance the demand for ZiG in the domestic economy—most notably, increasing the share of Treasury’s operations (revenues and expenditures) in ZiG. To reduce any uncertainty weighing on financial intermediation, the authorities should provide more clarity on the operational implications of the transition plan, including clarifying that the use of a mono-currency will be limited to domestic transactions, allowing for bank deposits to remain denominated in both currencies.

    “In the context of the requested SMP, IMF staff stands ready to resume discussions in due course once decisive steps have been taken by authorities to address the key policy issues highlighted by the mission.

    “International reengagement remains critical for debt resolution and arrears clearance, which would open the door for access to external financing. In this context, the authorities’ reengagement efforts, through the Structured Dialogue Platform, are key for attaining debt sustainability and gaining access to concessional external financing.

    “The IMF maintains an active engagement with Zimbabwe and continues to provide policy advice and extensive technical assistance in the areas of revenue mobilization, expenditure control, financial supervision, debt management, economic governance, as well as macroeconomic statistics. However, the IMF is currently precluded from providing financial support to Zimbabwe due to its unsustainable debt situation—based on the IMF’s Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA)—and official external arrears. An IMF financial arrangement would require a clear path to comprehensive restructuring of Zimbabwe’s external debt, including the clearance of arrears and a reform plan that is consistent with durably restoring macroeconomic stability; enhancing inclusive growth; lowering poverty; and strengthening economic governance.

    “IMF staff held meetings with His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa; Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Honorable Professor Mthuli Ncube, his Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Honorable David Mnangagwa and his Permanent Secretary Mr. George Guvamatanga; Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu; Mr. Willard Manungo, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet; other senior government and RBZ officials; honorable members of Parliament; and representatives of the private sector, civil society, and Zimbabwe’s development partners.

    “The IMF staff would like to thank the Zimbabwean authorities and other stakeholders for constructive discussions and support during the 2025 Article IV consultation process.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Wafa Amr

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/18/pr-25203-zimbabwe-imf-completes-2025-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Merck Foundation’s 7th Edition of First Ladies Initiative Summit Brings Together 14 African and Asian First Ladies to discuss the impact of their programs

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    • Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025: https://apo-opa.co/3G1Afxo

    Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025 on 19th and 20th June in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative along with The First Ladies of 14 African and Asian countries, who joined as the Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers.

    Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative” emphasized, “It is my great honor to welcome our esteemed Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers, The First Ladies of Africa and Asia, and Ambassadors of our ‘More Than a Mother’ campaign to the 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit.

    Through this important platform, we have collectively exchanged valuable experiences and engaged in meaningful discussions on the impact of our programs, which are aimed at transforming patient care and raising awareness of a wide range of critical social and health issues.”

    Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “At Merck Foundation, our goal is improving overall health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and by providing access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in the Africa, Asia and beyond. I would like to sincerely thank our Ambassadors and partners. Together, with your unwavering support and collaboration, we will continue to work towards our vision of a world where everyone can lead a healthy and happy life.”

    The First Ladies of 14 countries, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, joined as Guests of Honor and Keynote Speakers. They are:

    • H.E. Dr. ANA DIAS LOURENÇO, The First Lady of the Republic of Angola
    • H.E. Dr. DÉBORA KATISA CARVALHO, The First Lady of the Republic of Cabo Verde
    • H.E. Madam BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of the Central African Republic
    • H.E. Madam ZITA OLIGUI NGUEMA, The First Lady of the Gabonese Republic
    • H.E. Mrs. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia
    • H.E. Mrs. LORDINA DRAMANI MAHAMA, The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana
    • H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya
    • H.E. Mrs. KARTUMU YARTA BOAKAI, The First Lady of the Republic of Liberia
    • H.E. Mrs. SAJIDHA MOHAMED, The First Lady of the Republic of Maldives
    • H.E. Dr. GUETA SELEMANE CHAPO, The First Lady of the Republic of Mozambique
    • H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
    • H.E. Mrs. MARIA DE FATIMA VILA NOVA, The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
    • H.E. Madam MARIE KHONE FAYE, The First Lady of the Republic of Senegal
    • H.E. Amai Dr. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe

    Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej stated, “I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided more than 2280 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties. Many of our Merck Foundation Alumni are becoming the first specialists in their countries. Together with our Ambassadors and Partners, we are making history and transforming the patient care landscape across Africa and beyond. Many of them are becoming the first specialists in their countries.”

    “During our Conference, we also marked together the World Infertility Awareness Month, observed in June, through our signature campaign “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, which aims to empower infertile and childless women by providing access to information, education, and change of mindset. I am happy to share that out of the total 2280 scholarships, more than 700 scholarships have been provided for training in Fertility, Embryology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, and Family Medicine, to improve access to fertility care and women’s health”, she further added. 

    During the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation’s development programs that started in 2012.

    On the first day, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level ministerial panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe.

    The Day 2 of the conference will have three key parallel session will be held- Two medical and scientific sessions covering Oncology and Fertility Topics, and a community awareness session, Merck Foundation Health Media Training. This session will emphasize the critical role of the media in influencing communities and driving cultural change, with regards to a wide range of social and health issues like Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls’ Education, Stopping GBV, Ending Child Marriage & FGM, Empowering Women, Diabetes and Hypertension Awareness.

    The conference is being conducted in a hybrid format, enabling over 6,000 audiences from more than 70 countries to benefit, meet and discuss strategies and solutions for the health and social challenges in their countries safely and effectively.

    Countries participating in the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative:

    Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central Africa Republic, Cambodia, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea – Bissau, Guinea – Conakry, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Togo, Tunisia, U.A.E, UK, Uganda, US, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.

    The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative is streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation:

    @ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4edCwCi), X (https://apo-opa.co/4n8k2qI), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3G4ZQ8w), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4kQbVOf).

    @ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3ZBhIi7), X (https://apo-opa.co/3FT5D13), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3HNpOOr), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3ZF3Xiq).

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: China criticizes EU Commission chief’s industrial policy remarks, calls for rejection of double standards

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — China’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent remarks on China’s industrial subsidy policies, calling her words factually inaccurate and filled with bias and double standards.

    Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made the statement at a regular briefing in response to a journalist’s question about U. von der Leyen’s remarks at the G7 summit on June 16.

    China’s industrial subsidy policy adheres to the principles of openness, fairness and compliance with established norms, and strictly abides by the rules of the World Trade Organization, Guo Jiakun emphasized. According to him, China’s industrial development relies on the advantages of consistent technological innovation, a complete supply chain system, full-fledged market competition and abundant labor resources, which are due to the country’s actual capabilities rather than subsidies.

    As the diplomat emphasized, China’s new energy production capacity makes a significant contribution to the global fight against climate change and the energy transition. The so-called “overcapacity” problem, he noted, is essentially a projection of individual countries’ concerns about their own competitiveness and market share, which they intend to use as a pretext to justify protectionist measures.

    The official representative pointed out that in recent years the European Union has been continuously implementing industrial policy measures, providing a significant amount of subsidies to support European enterprises, and even openly offering to give preference to purchasing products from European manufacturers.

    The EU plans to provide more than €1.44 trillion in various subsidies from 2021 to 2030, with more than €300 billion already provided by 2024, Guo Jiakun said, citing incomplete statistics.

    According to him, at a time when the EU is striving to stimulate economic growth and increase competitiveness, it needs to abandon double standards and move towards greater openness in cooperation.

    In the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, cooperation between China and the EU has yielded fruitful results and brought tangible benefits to both sides, the official said, assuring that China, while continuing to firmly adhere to high-level opening up, will continue to provide European companies with its vast market and development opportunities.

    China hopes to strengthen communication and coordination with the European side and properly handle trade differences to achieve win-win results and common development, Guo Jiakun said. At the same time, he added, China firmly opposes any attempt to undermine its right to development or sacrifice Chinese interests for its own gains. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israeli Defense Minister Says Iran’s ‘Internal Security Headquarters’ Destroyed

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    JERUSALEM, June 18 (Xinhua) — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that fighter jets from the Jewish state’s air force destroyed “the headquarters of Iran’s internal security forces.”

    He added that Israel would continue to strike “symbols of Iranian rule,” without giving details of the operation or its targets.

    I. Katz’s comments came shortly after the Israeli military announced that its planes had begun a new series of airstrikes on “military targets of the Iranian regime” in Tehran.

    Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke rising from several locations in east and southeast Tehran after the explosions.

    Iran’s Fars news agency reported that Israel also attacked Payam International Airport, a key Iranian aviation hub near Tehran, on Wednesday, adding that firefighters and rescue teams were working at the site of the blast northwest of the Iranian capital.

    According to official figures, the military action that began on June 13 with surprise Israeli airstrikes on Iran has so far killed about 600 people in Iran and 24 in Israel. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Iceland

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 18, 2025

    • Growth decelerated in 2024 but is expected to rise to 1.6 percent in 2025 and 2.2 percent in 2026, while inflation is projected to decline to the Central Bank of Iceland’s 2.5 percent target in the second half of 2026. The direct impact of escalating global trade tensions is projected to be limited.
    • The authorities’ plans to turn the fiscal deficit in 2024 into a surplus by 2028 are appropriate given the need to rebuild buffers; details on the planned fiscal measures to achieve these targets have enhanced the credibility of the consolidation. Monetary policy is suitably tight given still elevated inflation, but the monetary stance should be reduced as inflation declines. Efforts to raise foreign exchange reserve coverage are welcome.
    • Investments in physical and human capital, alongside continued efforts to promote innovation and reduce skills mismatches are needed to support medium-term growth. Taxation can play a supportive role in reducing housing market imbalances.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Article IV Consultation for Iceland.[1] The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2]

    The economy decelerated in 2024 to 0.5 percent due largely to weak exports from a disappointing fishing season and constraints on energy supply that curtailed aluminum production. Growth is expected to rebound to 1.6 percent in 2025 and 2.2 percent in 2026, driven by a recovery in exports, higher real wages, and continued monetary easing that more than offsets the impact of a moderately contractionary fiscal impulse. The impact of escalating global trade tensions is projected to be limited given that most goods exports are destined for Europe. Inflation is expected to gradually decline to the Central Bank of Iceland’s 2.5 percent target in the second half of 2026. Medium-term prospects are favorable, with continued diversification of the economy toward higher value-added export-oriented sectors anticipated to bolster productivity growth and inflows of foreign labor expected to support a modest increase in employment growth.

    Risks to growth are tilted to the downside while risks to inflation are broadly balanced. In particular, the impact of rising global trade tensions could be larger than anticipated if tariffs are extended to currently exempted items (e.g., pharmaceuticals) or if a reduction in travel to and from the US negatively affects tourism. Inflation could increase if trade tensions trigger supply disruptions or capital outflows, if a premature loosening of monetary policy further de-anchors inflation expectations, or as result of second-round effects from higher wage growth. Conversely, capital inflows could result in an appreciation of the exchange rate that would weaken competitiveness and put downward pressure on inflation.

    Executive Board Assessment[3]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed the prudent macroeconomic policies, which have helped to reduce imbalances. While noting that medium‑term growth prospects are favorable, Directors observed that risks are tilted to the downside, notably from rising trade tensions. They emphasized the need to ensure macroeconomic stability and gradually rebuild fiscal buffers, while supporting stronger growth and reducing vulnerability to shocks.

    Directors welcomed the ambitious fiscal targets and the improved transparency and credibility around the planned consolidation. They highlighted that increased infrastructure spending would help to close gaps in transport and energy and bolster growth prospects. Directors saw merit in implementing additional measures, if necessary, to achieve fiscal objectives. Noting the need to reduce procyclicality in fiscal policy, Directors supported the planned activation of revised fiscal rules in 2026. They also recommended measures to strengthen the Fiscal Council and increase the coverage and frequency of fiscal data. 

    Directors noted that price pressures remain elevated and agreed that tight monetary policy remained appropriate. They encouraged the Central Bank of Iceland (CBI) to gradually loosen the policy stance as inflation declines towards target and expectations become reanchored. Directors saw merit in transitioning to a more forecast‑based inflation targeting framework as uncertainty declines. Noting the importance of increasing reserves to more prudent levels, Directors welcomed the CBI’s decision to commence regular purchases of foreign exchange.  

    Directors welcomed that systemic risks in the financial sector are contained. They highlighted the need to remain vigilant to potential vulnerabilities in the housing market and the corporate sector, and to continue strengthening operational resilience. Directors saw scope to ease macroprudential policies should systemic risks recede as anticipated. While welcoming the progress on implementing FSAP recommendations, Directors urged further efforts to enhance pension fund governance, strengthen AML/CFT supervision of banks, and safeguard the independence and effectiveness of the CBI’s supervisory activities. 

    Directors emphasized the importance of reforms to bolster productivity and diversify the economy, including by improving infrastructure and supporting innovation. Important measures include reducing skill mismatches, maximizing the efficiency of R&D incentives, and promoting AI while mitigating related risks. Directors welcomed plans to increase housing supply and improve housing affordability. 

    It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Iceland will be held on the standard 12‑month cycle. 

    Table 1. Iceland: Selected Economic Indicators, 2024–30
     

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030
       

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.

    Proj.
     

    (Percentage change unless otherwise indicated)

    National Accounts (constant prices)

    		              

    Gross domestic product

    0.5

    1.6

    2.2

    2.4

    2.4

    2.4

    2.4

    Total domestic demand

    2.3

    1.5

    0.6

    2.2

    2.4

    2.4

    2.3

    Private consumption

    0.6

    2.2

    2.4

    2.5

    2.6

    2.6

    2.6

    Public consumption

    2.5

    1.5

    1.3

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    1.0

    Gross fixed investment

    7.5

    4.1

    -3.2

    2.8

    3.2

    3.2

    3.2

    Net exports (contribution to growth)

    -1.8

    -0.3

    1.6

    0.3

    0.1

    0.0

    0.2

    Exports of goods and services

    -1.2

    3.3

    3.0

    3.3

    3.1

    3.0

    3.2

    Imports of goods and services

    2.7

    3.9

    -0.7

    2.7

    2.9

    2.9

    2.9

    Output gap (percent of potential output)

    1.0

    0.2

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0
                   

    Selected Indicators

    		              

    Unemployment rate (percent of labor force)

    3.4

    3.9

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    4.0

    Employment

    4.1

    0.4

    0.9

    1.1

    1.1

    1.1

    1.1

    Labor productivity

    -3.3

    1.2

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    Real wages

    0.5

    1.4

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    Nominal wages

    6.4

    4.9

    4.4

    3.8

    3.8

    3.9

    3.8

    Consumer price index (average)

    5.9

    3.5

    3.0

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    Consumer price index (end period)

    4.7

    3.6

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    ISK/€ (average)

    164

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

     

     

    Money and Credit (end period)

    		              

    Credit to nonfinancial private sector

    8.1

    5.6

    5.6

    5.6

    5.6

    5.6

    5.7

    Central bank 7 day term deposit rate 1/

    8.50

    7.50

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …
     

    (Percent of GDP unless otherwise indicated)

    General Government Finances 2/

    Revenue

    42.8

    43.2

    42.4

    42.4

    42.4

    42.5

    42.6

    Expenditure

    46.3

    44.5

    43.2

    42.9

    42.8

    42.7

    42.7

    Overall balance 3/

    -3.5

    -1.3

    -0.7

    -0.5

    -0.3

    -0.2

    -0.1

    Cyclically-adjusted primary balance

    -1.5

    0.7

    0.9

    1.2

    1.4

    1.6

    1.7

    Structural primary balance 4/

    0.7

    1.1

    1.1

    1.3

    1.4

    1.6

    1.7

    Gross debt

    59.1

    47.7

    45.4

    43.6

    41.7

    39.9

    38.1
                   

    Balance of Payments

    		              

    Current account balance

    -2.5

    -2.6

    -0.5

    0.0

    0.4

    0.7

    1.0

    Gross external debt

    67.0

    65.4

    61.6

    58.5

    55.4

    52.4

    49.5

    Sources: Central Bank of Iceland; Ministry of Finance; Statistics Iceland; and IMF staff projections.

    1/ For 2025, policy rate as of May.

    2/ In April 2025, an agreement was reached on the settlement of remaining outstanding liabilities in the IL Fund (HFF).

    3/ For 2024, the deficit now includes 1.2 percent of GDP in costs related to the purchase of houses in Grindavík that in the 2024 Article IV were classified below the line due to uncertainty about the correct statistical treatment.

    4/ Cyclically-adjusted primary balance excluding one offs.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/iceland page.

    [3] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Boris Balabanov

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/18/pr-25201-iceland-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Gambia: IMF Executive Board Approves Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangement and Completes the Third Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 18, 2025

    • The IMF Executive Board approved a new 18-month arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) for The Gambia for an amount equivalent to about US$63.55 million, to help the authorities improve macroeconomic resilience and build policy buffers against climate shocks. The Executive Board also completed the third review under the existing Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, enabling immediate disbursement of about US$16.95 million.
    • Despite substantial downside risks, The Gambia’s economic outlook remains positive, with growth expected to reach 5.7 percent in 2025 and inflation returning to single digits.
    • The Gambia has made good progress in implementing their economic reform program despite fiscal policy challenges. Key priorities include increasing domestic revenue and advancing with fiscal consolidation to safeguard debt sustainability while strengthening social and spending.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved an 18-month arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) for The Gambia in the amount of SDR 46.65 million (about US$63.55 million), with disbursements to begin when the first review of the arrangement is completed. The RSF arrangement will help the authorities tackle challenges posed by climate change and reinforce the country’s long-term resilience by strengthening the legal framework and institutional environment, green public finance management, climate data and transition taxonomy, adaptation and resilience, and the energy transition.

    The Executive Board also completed the third review of The Gambia’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, approved on January 12, 2024, supporting reforms to address long-standing structural impediments to inclusive growth. The completion of the review allows for the immediate disbursement of SDR 12.44 million (about US$16.95 million), bringing total disbursements under this arrangement to SDR 37.31 million (about US$50.82 million).

    The Gambia’s economic outlook remains positive, with real GDP estimated to expand by 5.7 percent in 2025, supported by continuous recovery in the tourism sector and good performance in the agricultural and construction sectors. Headline inflation has gradually declined, reaching 8.1 percent by end-April 2025. The outlook is subject to significant downside risks stemming from global uncertainty.

    While the authorities remain committed to the objectives set out in the ECF arrangement and revenue collection has been strong, unbudgeted spending pressures including from the National Water and Electricity Corporation (NAWEC) continue to weigh on fiscal balances. Going forward, steadfast implementation of the policy and reform agenda will be essential to safeguard macroeconomic gains and debt sustainability.

    The Executive Board approved the authorities’ request for waivers of nonobservance of the performance criterion on the end-June 2024 floor on the domestic primary balance and the end-December 2024 ceiling on net domestic borrowing, based on corrective actions taken.

    Following the Executive Board’s discussion, Deputy Managing Director Bo Li issued the following statement:

    “The Gambia’s economic momentum remains robust, with resilient growth and gradually declining inflation. Program implementation has been mixed, showing satisfactory adherence to quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets but delays in meeting structural benchmarks. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to their reform agenda despite ongoing global geopolitical uncertainties.

    “The authorities plan to offset the carryover of 2024 spending commitments and unbudgeted transfers by restraining non-priority spending in 2025. Adhering to the fiscal consolidation and fiscal targets for 2025 is vital for reducing fiscal risks and ensuring debt sustainability. Enhancing revenue collection to build additional fiscal buffers is also critical. Improving public financial management to prevent domestic arrears and better control multi-year commitments will support fiscal discipline and accountability. Furthermore, it is essential to limit fiscal risks from state-owned enterprises and public-private partnerships.

    “The Central Bank of The Gambia’s tight and data-dependent monetary policy is appropriate and should ensure that inflation converges to the medium-term target. The foreign exchange market is functioning smoothly following the new foreign exchange policy implementation, and it is crucial to maintain an exchange rate that reflects market forces. The central bank’s commitment to cease direct financial support to public entities is a welcome measure to protect its balance sheet. Strengthening its regulatory capacity and risk-based supervision is essential to preserve the financial sector’s stability.

    “Progress with structural reforms is necessary to enhance governance and improve the business environment, thereby promoting private sector development and job creation. Implementation of recommendations from the recent governance diagnostic and prompt appointment of an anti-corruption commission are essential. 

    “Steadfast implementation of the authorities’ climate agenda under the newly approved Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement will complement the Extended Credit Facility in bolstering economic resilience and reducing balance of payment risks. The RSF is expected to foster tighter coordination among domestic stakeholders and development partners. It will be important to carefully sequence reforms under both arrangements, supported by targeted capacity development.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Kwabena Akuamoah-Boateng

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/18/pr-25202-gambia-imf-apprv-resil-sustain-facil-arrange-completes-the-3rd-rev-under-ecf-arrange

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow presents key city projects at SPIEF-2025 — Sergei Sobyanin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The capital traditionally takes part in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) and presents key projects in the economy, transport, industry, construction, culture, social and other spheres. This was reported by Sergei Sobyanin in his telegram channel.

    “At the Moscow Government stand, visitors will be able to familiarize themselves with the key economic indicators of the capital. On interactive panels, they will be able to learn about the supplier portal, where entrepreneurs and organizations from 42 regions of the country work, as well as how Moscow companies increase labor productivity,” the Moscow Mayor noted.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    A separate space is dedicated Moscow metro, which turned 90 this year. The stand also features a model of the newest train, Moscow-2026.

    You can get to know the Moscow of the future thanks to VR walks in the urban development zone. Visitors can be the first to study the details of large-scale projects – the new Great Moscow Circus and the development Mnevnikovskaya floodplainHere they will also show how the metro is being built using a tunnel boring machine and what centers of economic activity will appear on the map of the capital.

    “Visitors will see how electric batteries for urban transport are created. Soon they will also be assembled at the Krasnaya Pakhra site in the Technopolis Moscow SEZ, where the first cluster for the production of batteries for electric transport in Russia is being formed,” added Sergei Sobyanin.

    In addition, they will be offered to go to the most high-tech sites of the capital. Thus, the shuttle of the future will “take” to the special economic zone “Technopolis Moscow”. And guests will also get acquainted with the technologies of the innovative elevator Karacharovsky mechanical plant.

    The stand will also tell about the largest resource center “Mosvolonter”, project “Youth of Moscow” and ways to support the capital’s non-profit organizations (NPOs).

    Moscow Mayor Tells How the City Supports Good Deeds of Moscow NGOs

    In the section dedicated to the social sphere, you can see a unique installation of the new complex of the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Care, as well as an interactive map with key objects of Moscow medicine. In addition, visitors will learn about the development of secondary vocational education first-hand – from students of the capital’s colleges.

    Forum guests are invited to the “Moscow” store, where goods produced in the capital are presented. There are also products from program participants there “Made in Moscow”.

    Everyone will be able to visit the VDNKh metaverse. This is a unique interactive educational project for a walk around the main exhibition of the country from any corner of Russia.

    The Moscow Culture block features the capital’s theaters, museums, parks, zoo, concert venues and events. Visitors will also be introduced toMoscow Film Cluster and the first in Russia Video Game and Animation Cluster.

    “This year, the Moscow stand is very large-scale, technologically advanced and clearly demonstrates the great teamwork of all industries for the benefit of the city and its residents. We still have many new heights ahead of us,” concluded the Mayor of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12958050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “I fell in love with Russia, I especially like your culture”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    © Higher School of Economics

    A round table for international students was held at the HSE, organized by the inter-university student project “Adventures of Foreigners in Russia” The guests were treated to useful tips and memos on adaptation and life in Russia, as well as convenient navigation on where to go and what to do in Moscow in their free time. Foreign students also shared their stories with each other about why they decided to move to Russia and how their studies at the university are going.

    The project “Adventures of Foreigners in Russia” was the result of a diploma thesis, said its director Natalia Belyaeva. At the moment, it operates with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. “We ourselves were foreign students in other countries. The author of the project did an academic internship in Poland, I did it in China, so we know firsthand how difficult it is to adapt to a new information field,” said Natalia Belyaeva.

    The project accumulates all the information needed by foreign students in a Telegram channel: legal norms, answers to migration questions, opportunities offered (Olympiads, grants, forums), useful links and interesting places to visit. “We tell you what important documents you need to have with you, how to arrange your departure from the university if the student is going home or leaving for another region of Russia,” explained Natalia Belyaeva.

    The project also provides advisory assistance to foreign students through a special bot.

    “We will soon have a meeting with Valery Falkov, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, where we will clarify the story with grants. You have probably heard that, in addition to the quota of the Government of the Russian Federation, an additional opportunity for social assistance for foreign students has appeared. They can take part in the competition and receive full payment for tuition and accommodation. However, there is no application platform yet, so we will look for all the information,” shared Natalia Belyaeva.

    During the round table, the guests were able to get to know each other better and make new contacts. Maria Kaminskaya, 2nd year student of the OP “Media communications” HSE, came from Belarus, the city of Vitebsk. “Literally every second classmate of mine was applying to HSE, so I decided to give it a try, too,” she says. “I was also applying in my home city, and got through there, but I chose Moscow.”

    As the student notes, it was quite difficult to adapt, since she moved from a small town, and the Russian capital seemed very unusual. “I have no relatives here, no one at all. I lived in a hostel in the Moscow region. I like studying, I do not regret that I came, although it was difficult at first. I found friends among my classmates, everything is great,” Maria Kaminskaya summed up.

    Benedetta Armando, 1st year student postgraduate school of cultural studies HSE, came from Italy, the city of Maratea. She has been living in Russia for three years already, before that the girl studied for a master’s degree in St. Petersburg.

    Benedetta Armando decided to study at the HSE because, in her opinion, it has the most modern educational programs, and the university itself is highly rated not only in Russia, but also in other countries. The Russian language was not easy for the girl: “I studied it intensively for three years, and have been studying it for six years in total. Very complex grammar, cases, a completely different alphabet.”

    The student says she feels comfortable in Russia. “I fell in love with Russia, with your cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod. I like the standard of living, transportation, various structures, and especially the culture, which you care about very much,” added Benedetta Armando.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Gulf of Oman oil spill: Greenpeace warns of environmental disaster

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Beirut, Lebanon – Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has warned of a potential environmental disaster after two crude oil tankers collided between Iran and the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.

    Satellite imagery indicates a large plume of oil stretching up to around 1500 hectares from the site of the crash between two vessels, ‘Adalynn’ and ‘Front Eagle’, in the Gulf of Oman, approximately 22 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan, near the Strait of Hormuz.[1] The 23-year-old Adalynn is part of the so-called Russian ‘shadow fleet’, a collection of partially obsolete tankers that operate below basic security standards and carry Russian oil, though its current cargo is unknown. Analysis of the Adalynn’s current 9.3-metre draught suggests it may be carrying approximately 70,000 tons of crude oil despite being officially listed in ballast condition.[2]

    Farah Al Hattab, Campaigner at Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa, said: “This is just one of many dangerous incidents to take place in the past years. The causes differ, but the result is often the same: oil spills endanger marine life, disrupt delicate ecological balances and possibly the entire food web, and carry the potential to spark widespread environmental damage that extends far beyond the immediate area.”

    While navigation systems in the region have been under pressure amid the exchange of missiles between Iran and Israel, there is no clear evidence that GPS jamming or spoofing was behind the collision, with some reports indicating it was due to a navigational error.

    Farah Al Hattab added: “Greenpeace MENA urges all concerned authorities to act swiftly to contain the spill and assess its ecological impact. We call on shipping companies, governments, and oil industry actors to commit to full transparency regarding environmental consequences of oil spills and the measures being taken for cleanup. Additionally, we urge governments in the region to increase investment in maritime monitoring, early-warning systems, and contingency plans to effectively respond to future oil pollution incidents. Environmental security must be treated as national and regional security.”

    “The environmental fallout from this collision further highlights the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels. Continued reliance on oil infrastructure leaves both people and the planet exposed—to toxic spills, political conflict, and the accelerating climate crisis. It’s time to rethink our global energy systems, shifting to renewable energy as not just a climate solution but a pathway to peace and resilience.”

    ENDS

    Notes:

    1. Satellite image: Greenpeace Media Library © Planet Labs PBC / Greenpeace

    2. Sources: www.Q88.com and seasearcher.com 

    Contacts:

    Hiam Mardini, Communications and Media Manager, Greenpeace MENA: [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Israel-Iran tensions might not raise prices at the pump as much as feared (for now)

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adi Imsirovic, Lecturer in Energy Systems, University of Oxford

    GreenOak/Shutterstock

    The unexpected attack by Israel on Iran, a major oil-producing nation, may undermine anaemic global economic growth and hinder central banks’ ability to cope in an already uncertain market.

    Iran exports up to 2 million barrels of oil and refined petroleum products per day (million barrels per day – mbd). Due to long-standing sanctions, most of this oil is sold to China at discounted prices.

    Normally, a sudden loss of the Iranian exports (equivalent to around 2% of global oil supply) would trigger panic. But Opec (the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is in the process of reversing the production cuts imposed early in the COVID pandemic (and subsequently). This leaves the organisation with an unusually large spare capacity of at least four million barrels per day, most of which is held by Saudi Arabia (up to 3.5 million) and the UAE (about one million).

    On top of that, the International Energy Agency (IEA) holds more than 1.2 billion barrels of emergency reserves across OECD countries, ready to be deployed if needed. China, too, has significant reserves, though the line between its commercial and strategic stocks is less clear.

    Additionally, some 40 million barrels of Iranian oil are stranded aboard anchored ships near China, unsold due to declining industrial demand and electric vehicles hitting petrol consumption. In May, China’s refinery throughput fell 1.8% year-on-year, with no signs of a swift rebound. What’s more, the IEA is expecting global oil production to exceed 1.8 mbd, compared to its earlier projection of only 0.72 mbd, leaving a massive surplus of supply over demand.

    China has proven to be an opportunistic buyer. It did not buy the excess Iranian oil supplies at US$65 (£48) a barrel earlier this year, and whether it buys at US$75 (at the time of writing) or higher, may be a signal of how seriously it views the Middle East tensions. Meanwhile, other Asian importers have been quick to secure prompt shipments from west Africa, and have eyes on US supplies as well.

    Thanks to this surplus capacity and stagnant demand, the oil market’s reaction has been more muted than many feared. Prices briefly spiked by US$10 but have since eased. It appears that the market is assessing whether the hostilities will escalate. If so, the impact on energy prices and inflation could be more significant.

    A conflict of convenience

    It remains somewhat unclear why Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu chose this moment to strike Iran, especially in the middle of peace negotiations between Iran and the United States. In a recent interview, former Israeli leader Ehud Barak admitted that even a full-scale attack would only delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions by weeks or months at best, with US support.

    Diplomacy, then, may remain the more effective route. This was the rationale behind the Iran nuclear deal brokered under US president Barack Obama, a deal later dismantled by Trump under pressure from Netanyahu.



    Read more:
    Why are the US and Israel not on the same page over how to deal with Iran? Expert Q&A

    So, Netanyahu’s endgame might be political survival and diverting attention from the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

    If Iran feels sufficiently cornered, it may retaliate by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz – a strategic chokepoint through which up to 20 million barrels of oil pass daily. A lot of that oil can be diverted through alternative supply routes such as a large (6 mbd) Saudi East-West pipeline leading to the Red Sea. There is also the UAE pipeline, which avoids the Strait of Hormuz and leads to the port of Fujairah, in the Gulf of Oman.

    Iran could close off the Strait of Hormuz, causing widespread disruption.
    CeltStudio/Shutterstock

    Nevertheless, the increased risk and higher shipping costs would certainly result in much higher prices at the pump. The cost of insurance for ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz have jumped 60% since the start of the conflict. That, combined with the broader economic fallout, could have global repercussions.

    The World Bank recently downgraded its global growth forecast to 2.3% for 2025 – nearly half a percentage point below previous estimates. While a worldwide recession is not yet predicted, the bank warned that growth this decade could be the slowest since the 1960s.

    Among the leading culprits is Trump’s tariff policy, which has strained global trade, reduced efficiency and effectively imposed a tax on consumers both in the US and elsewhere. The fear of inflation has led to rising long-term bond yields.

    Expectations of higher inflation and high bond yields, in turn, constrain central banks from stimulating the economy by cutting interest rates. This is a key tool used by the US Federal Reserve to influence the cost of borrowing throughout the US economy and thus attempt to stimulate economic activity.

    And in spite of the recent US-UK trade agreement, the deal includes a 10% tariff on imports from the UK – with steel still at 25%.

    UK economic growth had already slipped into negative territory before the conflict began. Now, with the added strain of geopolitical instability, households are bracing for higher petrol prices at the pump, sluggish wage growth and rising unemployment. The conflict in the Middle East may not have sparked a global oil crisis yet, but it certainly won’t improve anyone’s cost of living.

    Adi Imsirovic is affiliated with Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington.

    – ref. Why Israel-Iran tensions might not raise prices at the pump as much as feared (for now) – https://theconversation.com/why-israel-iran-tensions-might-not-raise-prices-at-the-pump-as-much-as-feared-for-now-259211

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump breaks from western allies at G7 summit as US weighs joining Iran strikes

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor in the Department of Government, University of Essex

    Working alongside western democratic allies has not been a natural fit for Donald Trump. The US president left the recently concluded G7 summit in Canada early, with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron assuming this was to work on addressing the most severe escalation between Iran and Israel in decades.

    But Trump offered little communication with other G7 members, which include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK, of what his plans were. He said he had to leave the summit “for obvious reasons”, though failed to elaborate on what he meant.

    After exiting the summit, he lambasted Macron on social media. Trump wrote: “Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire”. Trump continued by saying his exit was due to something “much bigger than that”, adding: “Emmanuel always gets it wrong.”

    This has prompted discussion over whether US forces may join Israel’s strikes on Iran. Despite initially distancing the US from the Israeli attacks, Trump said on June 17: “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.”

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    He has since demanded Tehran’s “unconditional surrender”, while also issuing a chilling threat to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing him as an “easy target”.

    The pressure campaign employed by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to convince Trump that the time is right for a military assault on Iran seems to be working.

    Exploiting Trump’s impulsive nature, Netanyahu may soon be able to convince Trump to give Israel what it needs to destroy Iran’s underground uranium enrichment sites: a 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bomb and a B-2 bomber to carry it.

    The US’s western allies have been left scrambling to interpret Trump’s social media posts and figure out the real reason he left the G7 summit early.

    The only aircraft capable of carrying ‘bunker-buster’ bombs is the B-2.
    Mariusz Lopusiewicz / Shutterstock

    This wasn’t the first time that Trump has left a G7 forum early. In 2018, the last time such a meeting was held in Canada, Trump also left early after Macron and the then Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, promised to confront Trump over the imposition of tariffs on US allies.

    The latest G7 summit also wasn’t the first time Trump has treated traditional US allies with suspicion. Trump has cast doubt on US willingness to defend Nato allies if they don’t pay more for their own defence. He has repeatedly threatened to leave the alliance and has frequently denigrated it – even calling alliance members “delinquent”.

    Trump thinks the US gains an advantage by abandoning relationships with “free riders”. But experts have made clear alienating allies makes the US weaker. While the alliance system has given the US unprecedented influence over the foreign policies of US allies in the past, Trump’s pressure to increase their defence spending will make them more independent from the US in the long-term.

    Trump seems to prefer a world guided by short-term self-interest at the expense of long-term collective security. Indeed, with an “America first” agenda, multilateral cooperation is not Trump’s strong suit. With the G7, Trump is yet again making clear that he does not fit in, nor does he want to.

    Because the G7 is small and relatively homogenous in membership, meetings between members are supposed to promote collective and decisive decision-making. However, even the task of coming up with a joint statement on the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel proved challenging.

    Trump eventually joined other leaders in calling for deescalation in the Middle East, and the G7 was in agreement that Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons. But Trump’s social media activity since then has left US allies in the dark over what role the US might play in the conflict.

    Trump also alarmed G7 members with calls for Russia to return to the forum. He claimed that the war in Ukraine would not have happened had Moscow not been ejected from the former G8 grouping in 2014.

    Then, on his way out of the summit, Trump bragged to reporters that Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, “doesn’t speak to anybody else” but him. Trump added that Putin was insulted when Russia was thrown out of the G8, “as I would be, as you would be, as anybody would be”.

    Following weeks of frustration over Russia’s refusal to engage in serious peace talks about ending the war in Ukraine, Trump seems to have returned to being Putin’s most loyal advocate.

    Hostility toward multilateralism

    During Trump’s first term, he pushed multilateralism to the brink. But he did not completely disengage. The US withdrew from the Paris climate accords, the nuclear deal with Iran, negotiations for a trade deal with Pacific nations, and imposed sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court.

    However, when multilateral initiatives served Trump’s short-term objectives, he was willing to get on board. A trade deal struck with Canada and Mexico that Trump described as “the most important” ever agreed by the US. He said the deal would bring thousands of jobs back to North America.

    The second Trump administration has been even more hostile to multilateralism. Not only has the trade deal with Canada and Mexico been undermined by Trump’s love of tariffs, his administration has been more antagonistic toward almost all of the US’s traditional allies. In fact, most of Trump’s ire is reserved for democracies not autocracies.

    In contrast to the G7, where he clearly felt out of place, Trump was in his element during his May trip to the Middle East. Trump has a more natural connection to the leaders of the Gulf who do not have to adhere to democratic norms and human rights, and where deals can get done immediately.

    Trump left the Middle East revelling in all of the billion dollar deals he made, which he exaggerated were worth US$2 trillion (£1.5 trillion). The G7, on the other hand, doesn’t offer much to Trump. He sees it as more of a nuisance.

    The G7 forum is supposed to reassure the public that the most powerful countries in the world are united in their commitment to stability. But Trump’s antics are undermining the credibility of that message. It is these antics that risk dragging the west into a dangerous confrontation with Iran.

    Natasha Lindstaedt does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump breaks from western allies at G7 summit as US weighs joining Iran strikes – https://theconversation.com/trump-breaks-from-western-allies-at-g7-summit-as-us-weighs-joining-iran-strikes-259214

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: About 70,000 people have been evacuated in Huaiji County in southern China due to flooding caused by heavy rains.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    GUANGZHOU, June 18 (Xinhua) — As of Wednesday afternoon, continuous heavy rains had affected about 300,000 residents in Huaiji County, Zhaoqing City, south China’s Guangdong Province, including about 70,000 people who had been evacuated to safer areas, local authorities said.

    Heavy rains caused by Typhoon Wutip, the first typhoon of the year, along with the influence of a trough and the monsoon season, have hit the region since June 14. By 7:05 a.m. on Wednesday, the water level at the Huaiji hydrological station had reached 55.22 meters, exceeding the danger mark by 5.22 meters.

    The natural disaster affected 19 volosts and villages in the county, where dams, roads and arable lands were damaged. A total of 15 people were injured, but none of them are in life-threatening condition.

    Currently, more than 10 thousand rescuers and over 500 units of emergency rescue equipment have been mobilized.

    At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Huaiji’s flood emergency response was raised to Level 1, the highest level. Schools, work, manufacturing, transportation and business activities were suspended across the county. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese authorities issue directive to transform Shanghai into international financial center

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — The transformation of east China’s Shanghai into an international financial center befitting China’s comprehensive strength and global influence will be basically completed within the next five to 10 years, according to a newly issued guideline.

    As noted in the policy document on supporting Shanghai’s accelerated development into an international financial center issued by the Central Financial Commission, the adaptability, competitiveness and inclusiveness of the city’s modern financial system are expected to be significantly enhanced, and its functions as a hub of financial openness will be greatly strengthened.

    The document states that in order to achieve these goals, it is planned to actively develop the Shanghai financial market. The scientific and technological innovation platform on the Shanghai Stock Exchange will play a more significant and inclusive role in promoting “hard technologies”. In addition, support will be provided to the Shanghai Futures Exchange in its transformation into a world-class exchange.

    According to the directive, Shanghai will take measures to attract a wide range of legal entities, branches of both Chinese and foreign large financial institutions, as well as licensed specialized organizations. The city will promote the formation and attraction of stable and effectively regulated financial holding companies, and encourage the placement of international financial organizations on its territory.

    By forming an advanced international financial infrastructure system, the metropolis will intensify the development of the cross-border payment and settlement system in yuan. Shanghai will consistently expand the institutional openness of the financial sector and achieve full compliance with high-standard international trade and economic rules.

    In addition, Shanghai will develop green finance standards in line with international practices and actively participate in international cooperation in this field. According to the directive, efforts will also be made to ensure financial security in an open environment using technologies such as blockchain, big data and artificial intelligence.

    To implement the directive, the State Financial Supervision Administration of China and the Shanghai People’s Government have issued an action plan that includes a series of measures to enhance the city’s competitiveness and influence as an international financial center. These measures cover areas such as streamlining financial services, expanding institutional openness, and strengthening financial regulation. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Rosneft’s Green Investments Reach RUB 74 Billion in 2024

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: Rosneft’s Green Investments Reach RUB 74 Billion in 2024

    The 5th of June is World Environment Day and the aim is to raise public interest in actions that protect ecosystems. In Russia, this date coincides with Ecologist’s Day.

    Rosneft carries out a wide range of activities and projects aimed at preserving a healthy environment. In 2024, the Company’s green investments totalled 74 billion roubles, which was a 16% increase on the previous year. Over the past three years, this figure totalled almost 200 billion roubles.

    The key components of the Company’s long-term environmental agenda are captured in the Rosneft 2030: Reliable Energy and Global Transition strategy. The top priorities in this field for the Company and its subsidiaries are the implementation of programmes to remediate land, including historical heritage land; the improvement of pipeline reliability; and the preservation of water resources and biodiversity in the regions where the Company operates.

    For instance, in 2024, Samotlorneftegaz completed a large-scale programme to remediate historical heritage lands, with the total area exceeding 2.2 thousand hectares. Approximately 85% of all remediation works were carried out by the Company’s own environmental department. The project has led to the development of new technologies and unique experiences that are in demand by other enterprises.

    Rosneft devotes considerable attention to reforestation activities, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and combating climate change. The Company is working in partnership with the Government of the Krasnoyarsk Territory to develop a far-reaching environmental forestation project. This project aims to unlock the region’s forests’ climate-regulating potential and to promote sustainable development. In 2024, the Company and its subsidiaries planted almost 11 million trees of various types in the regions where they operate.

    Rosneft is committed to the principles of the circular economy and is taking positive steps to implement them across its operations. Improving the efficiency of waste management processes is one of the priority goals of the Company’s 2030 strategy. The Company’s production enterprises have been successfully implementing zero-waste technologies that enable the production of artificial soil – an environmentally friendly construction material – from drilling cuttings.

    Furthermore, the Company’s Samara Group enterprises recycled almost 300 tonnes of exhausted catalyst. A total of 8,000+ tonnes of non-ferrous and ferrous metals were sent for processing by the Achinsk, Saratov, Syzran, Kuibyshev, Novokuibyshevsk refineries, RN-Vankor and Bashneft subsidiaries.

    Approximately 4,500 tonnes of waste oils and emulsions were sent for processing by the Kuibyshev Refinery, the Novokuibyshevsk Refinery, RN-Vankor and Bashneft enterprises.

    Biodiversity conservation is another important area of Rosneft’s environmental activities. For over a decade, the Company has been implementing annual initiatives to replenish Russia’s aquatic bioresources. In 2024, Rosneft’s enterprises released over 21.7 million young fish into the country’s water bodies.

    Volunteers from the Company, its subsidiaries and design institutes are also actively involved in various environmental initiatives and contribute to the development of a culture of rational and responsible consumption of natural resources. Employees and their children participate in activities involving the planting of greenery, with a view to enhancing both urban and natural recreational areas. These activities form part of federal environmental campaigns such as Green Spring, Memory Garden, Water of Russia, Clean Shores, etc.

    For more than 15 years, Samotlorneftegaz volunteers have been organising cleanup days to treat the shoreline of Lake Kymyl-Emtor as part of the nation-wide campaign Water of Russia.

    Samara oil workers assist the staff of the Botanical Garden of Samara University in a number of ways. These include the removal of deadwood and leaves, the purchase of rare plant species and plant seedlings, and the restoration and improvement of springs in the region. In 2024, volunteers in the Samara region collected over 30 cubic metres of rubbish from the banks of the Volga and Sok rivers. Volunteers from the Novokuibyshevsk Petrochemical Company participated in an environmental race, collecting a total of 930 kg of household waste.

    In 2024, RN-Nyaganneftegaz oil workers collected approximately 3 tonnes of household rubbish from the shoreline of the Nyagan-Yugan River.

    On the eve of Victory Day, Rosneft employees organised the cleaning of parks, memorial complexes and monuments dedicated to the Soviet people’s military achievements during the Great Patriotic War.

    The Company’s initiatives play a significant role in preserving natural resources by organising campaigns to collect used batteries, plastic, and waste paper for recycling. In 2024, Rosneft employees recycled over 1,100 kg of waste batteries, uninterruptible power supplies, and disposable batteries. They also handed over seven tonnes of plastic for recycling and collected approximately 180 tonnes of waste paper.

    Rosneft volunteers actively promote environmental education among young people, organising environmental quests, workshops, quizzes and eco-classes for schoolchildren. For instance, in 2024, Orenburgneft implemented the Eco-School project, collecting more than 10 tonnes of waste paper, over 70 kg of batteries, and over 17 kg of plastic caps with the help of students from regional schools.

    For the past 14 years, the company has organised annual environmental safety competitions, which contribute to raising the level of environmental awareness and encourage subsidiaries to develop their expertise and improve their work in this area.

    The public highly appreciated the successful environmental activities of Rosneft’s subsidiaries. In 2024, the Company’s Syzran, Novokuibyshevsk and Kuibyshev refineries received top honours at the nationwide Russian Environmental Leader contest.

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft
    5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Tax challenges facing the European defence union – 18-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament 2

    Confronted with warfare on the European continent since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, EU Member States, along with other European partners, have backed the need for a substantial increase in defence spending. This budgetary challenge has in turn raised important questions about the role of taxation in financing these efforts.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Innovation Workshop: How Business and Science Will Unite at the “University of Entrepreneurs”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A “University of Entrepreneurs” will appear in Moscow. It will start working on September 1, 2025. This is a joint project Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of Moscow, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) and the ANO “Human Capital Development”. The key element in it will be workshops of famous Russian businessmen, where they, using scientific developments and the infrastructure of partner universities, will work together with students and research staff to create new business projects.

    During the session “Interaction of Science, Business and the State as the Basis of Russia’s Technological Sovereignty” held on June 18 at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, organized by the Moscow Government and ASI, experts discussed how to translate scientific knowledge and university research into working business products and what models of interaction between all parties – the state, the business sector and universities – allow this to be done effectively.

    Leading representatives of business, science and government took part in the dialogue. Among them was the head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of Moscow Kristina Kostroma, General Director of the ANO “University of Entrepreneurs” Grigory Gorchakov, Rector of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology Dmitry Livanov and others.

    “The potential of modern universities allows them to become full-fledged participants in the innovative transformation that our country is actively experiencing today. Thanks to research and high-tech projects, universities are becoming centers for generating ideas and innovative solutions. The University of Entrepreneurs, which is based on the symbiosis of business and science, will allow fundamental projects to quickly find application in the real sector of the economy, creating an opportunity for the formation of start-ups and the commercialization of scientific developments,” noted Kristina Kostroma.

    The experts also discussed the development strategy and the plan for implementing the university’s program for 2025. The main focus was on approaches to overcoming the difficulties of coordination between universities, the scientific community and business when introducing technological products to the market. The participants considered the mechanisms of effective interaction necessary for the successful launch and implementation of projects aimed at achieving technological sovereignty.

    Following the discussion, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Aquarius Group of Companies, Alexey Kalinin, presented a manifesto on the interaction of science, business and the state, initiated by the ANO University of Entrepreneurs and the Gorki International Business School. The document emphasizes that the creation and development of a technology business, as well as the achievement of technological sovereignty, should be based not only on commercial and innovative components, but also on the common value guidelines of all participants in the process.

    “This platform is critically important for discussing approaches to coordinating the efforts of universities, science and entrepreneurs. Each of these groups has its own characteristics and interests. Our task is to create conditions under which these interests will be taken into account, which will ensure a high-quality contribution to science and the subsequent transformation of scientific developments into technologies in demand by the market. The presentation of the manifesto is an important step in the formation of this cooperation based on common values,” said Alexander Vaino, Director of the Young Professionals direction of the ASI, member of the Supervisory Board of the University of Entrepreneurs program.

    Twenty entrepreneurs — market leaders — have already confirmed their participation in the project. They include Andrey Krivenko (JSC VkusVill, agrotechnologies), Mikhail Goncharov (JSC Teremok, foodtech), Andrey Davidyuk (co-founder of Motorika) and others. The University of Entrepreneurs will become a place for business where entrepreneurs will have direct access to the best developments of leading Russian universities, scientific infrastructure, laboratories, and intellectual capital.

    The result of the interaction of the “University of Entrepreneurs” with business will be the launch of hundreds of technological startups, the integration of scientific developments into business practice and the formation of a sustainable ecosystem. In this environment, entrepreneurs will gain access to promising ideas, and students will gain invaluable practical experience and opportunities to scale their developments to the level of a market product, contributing to the strengthening of Russia’s technological sovereignty.

    After the session, a ceremonial signing of cooperation agreements took place between the ANO “University of Entrepreneurs” and eight leading universities of the country. Among them are the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, the National Research University “Higher School of Economics”, the National Research Nuclear University “Moscow Engineering Physics Institute”, the National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov and the Central University. As part of the signed agreements, a project was created where scientists, business teams and students will develop innovative solutions for key sectors of the Russian economy.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

     

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155447073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Head of Organizational Work Department of CPC Central Committee Meets with Delegation of Sri Lankan People’s Liberation Front Party

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Organizational Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, met in Beijing on Wednesday with a delegation of senior cadres of the Sri Lanka People’s Liberation Front (SPLF) Party led by Party General Secretary Tilwin Silva.

    As Shi Taifeng noted, China is ready to work with Sri Lanka, using the important agreements reached by the heads of state as a strategic guideline, to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as high-quality collective construction of the Belt and Road, deepen the exchange of experience in governing the party and state, and jointly build a community of shared future for China and Sri Lanka.

    T. Silva, for his part, assured that Sri Lanka is ready to implement the important agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries, further deepen inter-party ties and strengthen Sri Lankan-Chinese friendship. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Armenian Prime Minister dismisses director of National Security Service

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    YEREVAN, June 18 (Xinhua) — Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has dismissed Director of the National Security Service (NSS) Armen Abazyan, who has held the post since November 2020. The corresponding decree was published on the website of the Armenian government on Wednesday.

    The reasons for this decision are not stated in the official document, but N. Pashinyan, during a conversation with journalists in the National Assembly /parliament/ of Armenia, said: “The entire process of his tenure in this post was extremely difficult. I think he deserves a little rest, because working for five years in tense conditions as the director of the National Security Service, as you understand, is not easy.”

    The head of the Armenian government temporarily assigned the duties of the head of the service to the deputy director of the National Security Service Andranik Simonyan. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Turkish President R. T. Erdogan supported Iran’s right to self-defense in the conflict with Israel

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ANKARA, June 18 (Xinhua) — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said he supports Iran’s right to self-defense in the conflict with Israel.

    Addressing his party members in parliament, he noted that “it is legitimate and lawful for Iran to defend itself against the banditry and state terrorism of Israel.”

    “We are doing everything in our power to stop this inhuman aggression not only against Gaza, but also against Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and our neighbor Iran. The end of Israeli aggression is necessary for all humanity,” the Turkish leader emphasized.

    R.T. Erdogan added that Turkey is preparing for possible problems and different scenarios due to the ongoing Israeli-Iranian conflict. “All our institutions are on high alert due to the possible consequences of these attacks on Turkey,” the president said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by the OSCE Troika to condemn Russia’s intensified attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Statement by the OSCE Troika to condemn Russia’s intensified attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine

    Statement by the OSCE Troika to condemn Russia’s intensified attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine | OSCE

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    Home Newsroom News and press releases Statement by the OSCE Troika to condemn Russia’s intensified attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Montenegro and Moldova: Parliament welcomes EU membership progress

    Source: European Union 2

    MEPs welcome Montenegro´s objective to join the EU in 2028 and praise Moldova’s EU membership efforts in resolutions adopted on Wednesday.

    Importance of political stability in Montenegro

    Parliament calls for political stability in Montenegro and substantial progress regarding electoral and judicial reforms as well as the fight against organised crime and corruption. In a report adopted by 470 votes in favour. 102 against and 77 abstentions, MEPs stress that Montenegro remains the leading candidate in the EU enlargement process and point to the overwhelming support of its citizens and the majority of political actors for joining the EU in 2028. Parliament welcomes the country’s full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, including EU sanctions against Russia, and commends Montenegro for its support for the international rules-based order at the United Nations.

    Fight against foreign interference

    Parliament is however seriously concerned by malign interference, cyber-attacks, hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns and efforts to destabilise Montenegro, including attempts to influence its political processes and public opinion. These discredit the EU and undermine the country’s progress towards EU membership.

    The rapporteur on Montenegro Marjan Šarec (Renew Europe, Slovenia) said: “It is important to note that the adoption of necessary legislation involved cooperation between both coalition and opposition parties. This reflects a high level of awareness that the European path is the only right one for Montenegro, with no viable alternative. Montenegro’s achievements thus far provide a solid foundation for addressing future challenges, which are numerous and far from easy. The fight against organised crime and corruption, judicial reform, and the prevention of influence from third countries are of critical importance for meeting democratic standards.”

    MEPs praise Moldova’s EU membership efforts

    Commending Moldova’s exemplary commitment to advancing its progress towards EU membership, a report approved by MEPs by 456 votes in favour to 118 against with 51 abstentions recognises that EU-Moldova relations have entered into a new phase. Cooperation has intensified alongside sustained efforts by the government in Chișinău to align Moldova’s laws with those of the EU (the so-called “EU acquis”). Despite significant internal and external challenges, such as the effects of Russia’s continuing war against neighbouring Ukraine and Moscow’s interference in Moldova’s democratic processes, MEPs welcome the Moldovan government’s progress on meeting the EU’s enlargement requirements and the country’s ambition to open negotiations on more enlargement-related issues. MEPs call on the European Commission to enhance its support for Moldova to achieve these objectives.

    Russian interference in Moldova’s democratic processes
    MEPs note that in both Moldova’s recent constitutional referendum on European integration and the 2024 presidential election Moldovans reaffirmed their support for EU membership and the government’s pro-European reform agenda. Despite being subject to a massive hybrid campaign by Russia and its proxies, MEPs say both the referendum and the election were held professionally and “with an extraordinary sense of duty and dedication”. They also note that the country’s parliamentary elections in autumn 2025 will be crucial for the continuation of Moldova’s pro-European trajectory and warn about the likely intensification of foreign, in particular Russian, malign interference and hybrid attacks.

    The rapporteur on Moldova Sven Mikser (S&D, Estonia) said: “We commend Moldova’s strong commitment to EU integration and acknowledge the country’s strategic importance for Europe. The Moldovan authorities have demonstrated remarkable determination to pursue reforms and align with EU values despite facing major challenges and external pressure by the Kremlin and its proxies.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Democratic Colleagues in Urging Rubio to Preserve the State Department’s Human Rights Bureau 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senator Jeanee Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and eight Democratic colleagues in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to preserve the staff and programs administered by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) amid the Department’s proposed reorganization.   
    “The proposed reorganization of DRL raises serious concerns about the Department’s prioritization of democracy and human rights and the role of DRL in advancing U.S. national security priorities—concerns that were the basis for Congress’s bipartisan codification in statute an Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor and the directive ‘to promote the increased observance of internationally recognized human rights by all countries’ as a principal goal of U.S. foreign policy,” wrote the Senators. “The proposed reorganization would result in a structural and substantive demotion of human rights promotion that runs counter to the spirit of the law and your personal legacy working on these issues.”  
    “Over 80% of DRL’s programs support human rights defenders working in closed, anti-democratic societies, including Cuba, China, Nicaragua, North Korea, Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and others which the Trump Administration has identified as adversaries of the U.S.,” continued the Senators.  
    The Senators concluded: “As you stated in the subcommittee hearing previously mentioned, ‘millions of people around the world who live in societies dominated by fear and oppression look to the United States of America to champion their cause to fully exercise their God-given rights. There are no greater champions more capable of advancing this noble cause than the dedicated staff in DRL. We need these champions in the Department.”  
    In addition to Senators Welch and Shaheen, the letter is cosigned by Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.). 
    Read and download the full text of the letter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Germany’s young Jewish and Muslim writers are speaking for themselves – exploring immigrant identity beyond stereotypes

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Agnes Mueller, Carol Kahn Strauss Fellow in Jewish Studies at the American Academy in Berlin, Professor of German and American Literature, University of South Carolina

    A Muslim guest sits next to a Jewish one during an ordination ceremony at the Rykestrasse Synagogue in Berlin in September 2024. Omer Messinger/Getty Images

    The consequences of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack and Israel’s war in Gaza have reverberated far beyond the zones of conflict.

    In the United States, for example, a growing number of people, including some Jewish groups, assert that political leaders are exploiting concerns about antisemitism for their own political goals, from cracking down on academic freedom to deporting pro-Palestinian activists.

    Debate about the war in Gaza feels fraught in Germany, too, where concerns about rising antisemitism have been used to criticize some Muslim communities. The Holocaust looms over discussions about Israel, with many claiming the country’s sense of historical guilt has made it, until recently, reluctant to criticize Israeli politics.

    In the wake of the country’s reunification in the early 1990s, about 200,000 Jews from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union came to Germany. In more recent years, waves of predominantly Muslim refugees from the Middle East have entered a space that already had a large population of Turkish immigrants and their descendants. However, many Germans oppose these more open immigration policies, with widespread backlash against Muslim migrants.

    In recent decades, some of Germany’s migrants and their children – some Jewish, and some Muslim – have used fiction to explore their identity and these contested issues in new ways, challenging simple narratives. As a scholar of German literature and Jewish studies, I have studied how literature creates new spaces for readers to explore the similarities between their experiences, building solidarity beyond stereotypes.

    ‘The Prodigal Son’

    Many of today’s young Jewish writers were born in the former Soviet Union and arrived in Germany with their parents as part of the “quota refugee” program. Initiated in the early 1990s, this program invited Jewish migrants into a newly unified Germany – intended to show that the country was taking responsibility for the atrocities of the past. The newcomers were flippantly called “Wiedergutmachungsjuden,” “make-good-again Jews,” referring to Germans’ desire to atone.

    One of them was Olga Grjasnowa. Born in 1984, Grjasnowa came from Azerbaijan to Germany at age 11. She has written about Holocaust memory, as in her 2012 novel “All Russians Love Birch Trees,” and said in a 2018 interview that all her books are “Jewish books.”

    Olga Grjasnowa during the Edinburgh International Book Festival on Aug. 22, 2019, in Scotland.
    Roberto Ricciuti/Getty Images

    Her 2021 book “Der verlorene Sohn,” “The Prodigal Son,” echoes Holocaust memory, but in a historical novel set in 19th-century Russia.

    The protagonist Jamaluddin – the name derives from the Arabic word for “beauty of the faith” – is born in the Caucasian region of Dagestan, as the son of a powerful Muslim imam. To negotiate a peace deal, the boy is given as a hostage to Russia, where he grows up in the Orthodox Christian court of the czar. Though initially treated as an outsider, Jamaluddin assimilates and becomes a high-ranking officer, a life that ends when he must return to Dagestan. But there, too, he now feels homeless, regarded with suspicion as a stranger.

    “The Prodigal Son” deals with abduction, deportation, exile and constant wandering. Jamaluddin’s fate is shaped by authoritarianism, repression, war and discrimination – themes that are familiar in Holocaust literature, though here they befall a Muslim boy in another time and place.

    Repeatedly, the novel makes mention of Jewish communities and their own suffering under the czar. As Jewish boys are being forced to march from remote villages to Saint Petersburg, Jamaluddin is “furious and ashamed” of his fellow officers. But he also begins to feel self-pity, flooded with memories of his own departure from home.

    This scene depicts a historical reality under Czar Nicholas I, who ruled from 1825-1855: Russian Jewish boys were conscripted, sometimes kidnapped, to serve in the army. For contemporary audiences, the description can also evoke the death marches of Jewish prisoners during the Shoah, the Hebrew term for the Holocaust. Several additional moments in the book connect Jamaluddin’s experiences with images of Jewish flight and expulsion.

    New conversations

    Jamaluddin’s fate as an outsider between cultures can also bring to mind migrants’ experiences and emotions today. In 2022, one-quarter of Germans were either migrants themselves or had a parent who was not born in Germany. The largest minority group are Muslim-born Germans of Turkish descent, who are still routinely discriminated against.

    Antisemitism, meanwhile, is pervasive but less obvious. The Germans’ relationship with Jews was long dominated by silence and guilt – and Jews themselves were mostly invisible until the end of the Cold War, when Jewish migration from the former Soviet states picked up. My 2015 book “The Inability to Love” describes how mainstream German authors, fueled by guilt and shame over the Nazi past, fell into a philosemitic antisemitism: Outward displays of repentance for the Holocaust and public policies that ostensibly embraced Jews clashed with privately held prejudice.

    Many examples of new German literature show contemporary Jewish and Muslim characters with complex identities – protagonists who are not seen as simply Jewish, Muslim or belonging to only one culture, pushing back on reductive stereotypes.

    For example, Kat Kaufmann’s 2015 novel “Superposition” tells the story of the young, popular and charismatic Izy, a Russian Jew who lives in Berlin as a jazz pianist. Her love interest is Timur, an Eastern European man with a typically Muslim name. When Izy thinks of her and Timur’s future son, she imagines him growing up with the luxury to conceal where he is from – to define his identity as he wishes, unlike previous generations.

    Writer Fatma Aydemir speaks at a reading in Cologne, Germany, on March 21, 2022.
    Oliver Berg/picture alliance via Getty Images

    Stories by novelists such as Dmitrij Kapitelman, Lena Gorelik, Marina Frenk and Dana Vowinckel also depict moments of connection between Jews and other Germans, or between Jews and Muslims.

    Turkish and/or Muslim writers such as Fatma Aydemir and Nazlı Koca – who now lives in America, writing in English – tell similar stories of young characters navigating German culture as marginalized individuals. They often depict young women who struggle to reconcile their culture of origin with German social expectations and xenophobia today.

    “I wanted to question the idea that we all have one single identity and that’s it,” Aydemir told the literary site K24 about her novel “Ellbogen,” whose protagonist finds herself fleeing to Turkey, her family’s original home, after a personal crisis. “I think things are way more complex, more fluid than most of us want to believe.”

    This younger generation of German Jewish and Muslim writers is recasting entrenched debates, showing characters whose identities are multidimensional and more open than the burdened past or fraught present politics would suggest. Today’s young writers are creating new, brave spaces for conversation and empathy.

    Agnes Mueller does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Germany’s young Jewish and Muslim writers are speaking for themselves – exploring immigrant identity beyond stereotypes – https://theconversation.com/germanys-young-jewish-and-muslim-writers-are-speaking-for-themselves-exploring-immigrant-identity-beyond-stereotypes-252968

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –